Tension receiving exercise device

ABSTRACT

The disclosed invention involves a Tension Receiving Exercise Device adapted to bilaterally engage the hands and or forearms of an upright user. The invention is used in an environment where preferably two tension transmitting means are positioned about the upright user&#39;s 3D space. These tension transmitting means are adapted to bilaterally engage the exercise device largely about each hand or forearm. By virtue of the bilateral locations of the tension receiving means, unilateral movement is accommodated with unilateral resistance and bilateral movement is accommodated with bilateral resistance. Performable exercises are governed by the position of the tension transmitting means about the user&#39;s 3D space. These performable exercises closely simulate real-life movements that are beneficial to both sport-specific and everyday activities.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The disclosed invention relates to Functional Strength Training of Core Body Movements. More particularly, the invention involves a Tension Receiving Exercise Device adapted to bilaterally engage the hands and or forearms of an upright user. The invention is adapted to bilaterally receive two tension transmitting means applied about the upright user's 3D space. Performable exercises are governed by the position of the tension transmitting means about the user's 3D space. These performable exercises closely simulate real-life movements that are beneficial to both sport-specific and everyday activities.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Currently, athletic training consists of two distinct stages, a strength-training stage and a skill-training stage. This two-stage approach is a result of the limitations of current strength training equipment. These limitations include limited speed of movement due to inertia, altered user center of gravity due to mass, and isolated neural-muscular-skeletal recruitment due to restricted paths of motion. To achieve Functional Strength Training and largely unify the two-stage approach, these limitations must be addressed.

[0003] The present invention largely integrates strength training and skill training by first allowing the users the ability to perform Core Body Movements in an upright position (i.e. supported by one or both feet). Secondly, the disclosed invention adds no appreciable mass to the user whereby preserving the user's natural center of gravity. Thirdly, the invention's preferred resistance application means allows unlimited speed of movement by minimizing the negative effect of unwanted inertia.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0004] With the foregoing in mind, it is an object of the disclosed invention to bilaterally engage the hands and or forearms of an upright user. The invention is used in an environment where preferably two tension transmitting means are positioned about the upright user's 3D space. These tension transmitting means are adapted to bilaterally engage the exercise device largely about each hand or forearm. By virtue of the bilateral locations of the tension receiving means, unilateral movement is accommodated with unilateral resistance and bilateral movement is accommodated with bilateral resistance. Performable exercises are governed by the position of the tension transmitting means about the user's 3D space. These performable exercises closely simulate real-life movements that are beneficial to both sport-specific and everyday activities.

[0005] The preferred embodiment of the disclosed invention comprises of a bilateral handle means, a handle joining means and tension receiving means. The bilateral handle means can be fixed along their length, rotate along their length, pivot largely normal to their length, or a combination thereof. The handle joining means may be fixed or swivel about a plane largely normal to a line extending between the bilateral handle means. The tension receiving means are located about each bilateral handle means. By virtue of the tension receiving means locations with respect to the handle means, a desired torque environment can be achieved about the handle means. These configurations can be utilized in various combinations to preserve the ergonomics of those engaged regions and allow the proper simulation of real-life movements.

[0006] These, and still further objects and advantages will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description, which taken with the accompanying drawings disclose a preferred form of the disclosed invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Some of the objects of the invention having been stated, other objects will appear as the description proceeds, when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0008]FIG. 1 is a perspective view exemplifying an upright user operating the disclosed invention through an exercise path largely occurring upwardly about the user's sagittal plane and having bilateral tension transmitting means emanating from the ground.

[0009]FIG. 2 is a perspective view exemplifying an upright user operating the disclosed invention through an exercise path largely occurring upwardly about the user's right frontal plane and having bilateral tension transmitting means emanating from the ground.

[0010]FIG. 3 is a perspective view exemplifying an upright user operating the disclosed invention through an exercise path largely turning about the user's transverse plane and having tension transmitting means emanating to the right of the user at shoulder level.

[0011]FIG. 4 is a perspective view exemplifying an upright user operating the disclosed invention through an exercise path largely occurring upwardly about the user's sagittal plane and having bilateral tension transmitting means emanating from points behind the user.

[0012]FIG. 5 is a perspective view exemplifying an upright user operating the disclosed invention through an exercise path largely occurring downwardly about the user's sagittal plane and having bilateral tension transmitting means emanating from above the user.

[0013]FIG. 6 is a perspective view exemplifying an upright user operating the disclosed invention through an exercise path largely turning about the user's transverse plane and having tension transmitting means emanating from the ground and to the left of the user at shoulder level.

[0014]FIG. 7 is an isometric view of a preferred form of the disclosed invention exemplifying non-collinear bilateral handle means, a joining means and tension receiving means.

[0015]FIG. 8 is an isometric view of a preferred form of the disclosed invention exemplifying non-collinear bilateral handle means, a swiveling joining means and tension receiving means.

[0016]FIG. 9 is an isometric view of a preferred form of the disclosed invention exemplifying pivoting bilateral handle means, a joining means and tension receiving means.

[0017]FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a preferred form of the disclosed invention exemplifying pivoting bilateral handle means, a swiveling joining means and tension receiving means.

[0018]FIG. 11 is an isometric view of a preferred form of the disclosed invention exemplifying non-collinear rotating bilateral handle means, a joining means and tension receiving means.

[0019]FIG. 12 is an isometric view of a preferred form of the disclosed invention exemplifying a non-collinear rotating bilateral handle means, a swiveling joining means and tension receiving means.

[0020]FIG. 13 is an isometric view of a preferred form of the disclosed invention exemplifying a rotating bilateral handle means, a non-collinear handle pivoting means, a joining means and tension receiving means.

[0021]FIG. 14 is an isometric view of a preferred form of the disclosed invention exemplifying a rotating bilateral handle means, a non-collinear handle pivoting means, a swiveling joining means and tension receiving means.

[0022]FIG. 15 is an isometric view of a preferred form of the disclosed invention exemplifying a rotating bilateral handle means adapted with a forearm engagement means, a non-collinear handle pivoting means, a swiveling joining means and tension receiving means.

[0023]FIG. 16 is an isometric view of a preferred form of the disclosed invention exemplifying a minimum torque environment about the central portion of the handle means when tensional forces are applied to the tension receiving means bilaterally located between the handle means.

[0024]FIG. 17 is an isometric view of a preferred form of the disclosed invention exemplifying a minimum torque environment about the central portion of the handle means when tensional forces are applied to the tension receiving means bilaterally located both between and to the outside of the handle means.

[0025]FIG. 18 is an isometric view exemplifying of a preferred tension transmitting means.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0026] While the present invention will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in which preferred embodiments of the present invention are shown, it is to be understood at the beginning of the description which follows that persons of skill in the appropriate arts may modify the invention here described while still achieving the favorable results of the invention. Therefore, the description of which follows is to be understood as being a broad disclosure directed to persons of skill in the appropriate arts, and not as limiting upon the present invention.

[0027] A general overview of the accompanying drawings include FIGS. 1-6 exemplifying exercises facilitated by the present invention, FIGS. 7-17 exemplifying preferred embodiments of the disclosed invention, and FIG. 18 exemplifying a preferred tension transmitting means 34.

[0028] The disclosed invention relates to Functional Strength Training of Core Body Movements. The invention involves a resistance receiving exercise device 10 adapted to bilaterally engage the hands and or forearms of an upright user 11. The invention is used in an environment where preferably two tension transmitting means 34 are positioned about the upright user's 3D space. These tension transmitting means 34 are adapted to bilaterally engage the exercise device 10 largely about each hand or forearm. By virtue of the bilateral locations of the tension receiving means 33, unilateral movement is accommodated with unilateral resistance and bilateral movement is accommodated with bilateral resistance. Performable exercises are governed by the position of the tension transmitting means 34 about the user's 3D space. These performable exercises closely simulate real-life movements that are beneficial to both sport-specific and everyday activities.

[0029] To gain a clear understanding to the objects and advantages of the present invention a user is shown in FIGS. 1-6 where performable exercises are exemplified. The disclosed invention is indicated at 10, the upright user is indicated at 11, the tension transmitting means are indicated at 34, and the exercise path is indicated at 12.

[0030] Performable exercise paths are governed by location of the tension transmitting means 34 about the user's 3D space.

[0031]FIG. 1 exemplifies the user 11 operating the invention 10 through an exercise path 12 largely occurring upwardly about the user's sagittal plane and having bilateral tension transmitting means 34 emanating from the ground. This illustrated exercise path 12 is beneficial to many work related activities such as lifting a package onto a shelf.

[0032]FIG. 2 exemplifies the user 11 operating the invention 10 through an exercise path 12 largely occurring upwardly about the user's right frontal plane and having bilateral tension transmitting means 34 emanating from the ground. This illustrated exercise path 12 is beneficial to many athletic movements such as checking in hockey.

[0033]FIG. 3 exemplifies the user 11 operating the invention 10 through an exercise path 12 largely turning about the user's transverse plane and having tension transmitting means 34 emanating to the right of the user at shoulder level. This illustrated exercise path 12 is beneficial to many athletic movements such as swinging a bat in baseball.

[0034]FIG. 4 exemplifies the user 11 operating the invention 10 through an exercise path 12 largely occurring upwardly about the user's sagittal plane and having bilateral tension transmitting means 34 emanating from points behind the user. This illustrated exercise path 12 is beneficial to many athletic movements such as blocking in football.

[0035]FIG. 5 exemplifies the user 11 operating the invention 10 through an exercise path 12 largely occurring downwardly about the user's sagittal plane and having bilateral tension transmitting means 34 emanating from above the user. This illustrated exercise path 12 is beneficial to many athletic movements such as rebounding in basketball.

[0036]FIG. 6 exemplifies the user 11 operating the invention 10 through an exercise path 12 largely turning about the user's transverse plane and having tension transmitting means 34 emanating from the ground and to the left of the user at shoulder level. This illustrated exercise path 12 is beneficial to many work related activities such lifting a package from left to right.

[0037] Preferred embodiments of the present invention 10 are illustrated in FIGS. 7-17. These embodiments generally comprise of bilateral handle means 20, a handle joining means 30 and tension receiving means 33. The bilateral handle means 20 can be fixed along their length, rotate along their length, pivot largely normal to their length, or a combination thereof. The handle joining means 30 may be fixed or swivel about a plane largely normal to a line extending between the bilateral handle means 20. The tension receiving means 33 are located about each bilateral handle means 20. By virtue of the orientation of the tension receiving means 33 with respect to the central portion of the handle means 20, a desired torque environment can exist about the central portion of the handle means 20. These aforementioned configurations can be utilized in various combinations to preserve the ergonomics of those engaged regions and allow the proper simulation of real-life movements.

[0038] FIGS. 7-10 are categorized as having fixed or non-rotating handles 20. More specifically, the Tension Receiving Exercise Device 10 illustrated in FIG. 7 is comprised of bilateral handle means 20, a handle joining means 30 and bilateral tension receiving means 33. The bilateral handle means 20 is preferably of a conical shape having a slip resistant surface as to engage a grasping hand. The handle joining means 30 is adapted to maintain an appropriate distance between the bilateral handle means 20. In addition, the handle joining means 30 is further adapted to maintain an ergonomic relationship between the bilateral handle means 20. This ergonomic relationship is characterized by a non-collinear configuration along the length of the handle means 20. The bilateral tension receiving means 33 preferably comprise of the handle means 20 having an orifice means 51 adapted to the narrow end of the conical shaped handle means 20. The orifice means 51 is adapted with a flexible webbing loop means 50 engaged to the inside of the orifice 51 by a retaining pin 52. The webbing loop means 50 is adapted to engage a tension transmitting means 34. This tension receiving means 33 collectively functions to accommodate all angles of tension transmission.

[0039]FIG. 8 is a modified version of FIG. 7 where the handle joining means 30 is adapted with a swivel means 39 acting about a plane largely normal to a line drawn between the handle means 20. The swivel means 42 allows the handle means 20 to swivel with respect to each other as illustrated by the swivel motion arrows 43.

[0040]FIG. 9 is a modified version of FIG. 7 where the handle joining means 30 is adapted with a pivoting means 38 adapted to allow the bilateral handle means 20 to pivot about an axis largely normal to the length of the handle means 20. The pivoting means 38 is further adapted with a stop block means 40 to limit the handles pivot arc as illustrated by the restricted pivot motion arrows 39.

[0041]FIG. 10 is a modified version of FIG. 7 with the combined adaptations of FIG. 8 and FIG. 9.

[0042]FIGS. 11, 12, 13 & 14 are modified versions of FIGS. 7, 8, 9 & 10 respectfully, where the bilateral handle means 20 are adapted to rotate about an axis largely along the length of the handles central portion as illustrated by the rotational motion arrows 37. FIGS. 13 & 14's pivoting means 38 are further adapted with a stop block means 40 that prevents the handle means 20 from establishing a collinear configuration along their lengths as illustrated by the restricted pivot motion arrows 39. By not allowing the collinear configuration of the handle means 20, the proper orientation of the pivoting means 38 is maintained.

[0043]FIG. 15 is a modified version of FIG. 14 where the bilateral handle means 20 are adapted with a forearm engagement means 55. The forearm engagement means 55 are adapted to engage the forearm and distribute resistance forces applied by the tension transmitting means 34. More specifically, the forearm engagement means 55 act to lessen torque related forces about the wrists by distributing resistance forces about the forearm. It is clear to one skill in the art that the forearm engagement means 55 can be independent of the disclosed invention 10 and adapted with tension receiving means 33. These independent forearm engagement means can be used alone engaged to the tension transmitting means 34 to provide independent resistance to each forearm or while simultaneously grasping the Tension Receiving Exercise Device 10 as a means of supporting and stabilizing the engaged forearms.

[0044]FIGS. 16 & 17 are modified versions of FIG. 14 where the tension receiving means 33 are collinear to the central portion of the bilateral handle means 20. Furthermore, this collinear relationship intersects the axis of the pivoting means 38. This collinear relationship creates an environment of minimum torque about the central portion of the handle means 20 when tensional forces are applied to the tension receiving means 33.

[0045]FIG. 18 represents a preferred tension transmitting means 34 where an exercise cable 60 is trained over a traveling pulley 61 mounted to a block means 62 that is further adapted to engage a resistance means (i.e. selectorized weight stack). The ends 65 & 66 of the exercise cable 60 are guided a travel length 70 to guide means 71 further adapted to guide the ends 65 & 66 to a respective flagblock-mounted pulley means 72. The ends 65 & 66 of the exercise cable 60 are trained around the flagblock-mounted pulleys 72 and adapted with an engagement means 73 that can engage the preferred webbing loops 50 of the tension receiving means 33. It is clear to one skilled in the art that these flagblock-mounted pulleys 72 can be selectively positioned or mounted about a user's 3D space to create a desired performable exercise as though exemplified in FIGS. 1-6.

[0046] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific as to structural features. It is to be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific features shown, since the means and construction herein disclosed comprise of a preferred form of putting the invention into effect. The invention is therefore claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted in the accordance with the doctrine of equivalence. 

1. A tension receiving exercise device comprising: Bilateral handle means adapted to engage a hand and having an elongated configuration largely parallel to knuckles of said hand; A joining means adapted to join said bilateral handle means at an appropriate distance apart in a non-collinear relationship along said elongated configuration; Tension receiving means about each said handle means adapted to receive a tension transmitting means.
 2. A tension receiving exercise device comprising: Bilateral handle means adapted to engage a hand and having an elongated configuration largely parallel to knuckles of said hand; A joining means adapted to join said bilateral handle means at an appropriate distance apart in a non-collinear relationship along said elongated configuration; Tension receiving means about each said handle means adapted to receive a tension transmitting means; A rotational means supported by said joining means and adapted to allow said bilateral handle means to rotate about said elongated configuration.
 3. A tension receiving exercise device according to claim 2 further comprising of said joining means having a swivel means along its length to allow said bilateral handle means to swivel with respect to each other.
 4. A tension receiving exercise device according to claim 2 further comprising of a pivot means supported by said joining means and adapted to allow said bilateral handle means to pivot about an axis largely normal to said elongated configuration while simultaneously preserving said non-collinear relationship along said elongated configuration.
 5. A tension receiving exercise device according to claim 3 further comprising of a pivot means supported by said joining means and adapted to allow said bilateral handle means to pivot about an axis largely normal to said elongated configuration while simultaneously preserving said non-collinear relationship along said elongated configuration.
 6. A tension receiving exercise device comprising: Bilateral handle means adapted to engage a hand and having an elongated configuration largely parallel to knuckles of said hand; A joining means adapted to join said bilateral handle means at an appropriate distance apart; Tension receiving means about each said handle means adapted to receive a tension transmitting means; A pivot means supported by said joining means adapted to allow said bilateral handle means to pivot about an axis largely normal to said elongated configuration.
 7. A tension receiving exercise device according to claim 6 further comprising of said joining means having a swivel means along its length to allow said bilateral handle means to swivel with respect to each other.
 8. A tension receiving exercise device comprising: Bilateral handle means adapted to engage a hand and having an elongated configuration largely parallel to knuckles of said hand; A joining means adapted to join said bilateral handle means at an appropriate distance apart; Tension receiving means about each said handle means adapted to receive a tension transmitting means; A swivel means along said joining means adapted to allow said bilateral handle means to swivel with respect to each other. 